The phrase “can’t hold a candle to” is often used to describe someone or something that is of inferior quality. For example:

Generic laptop memory can’t hold a candle to Kingston laptop memory.

The coin was originally phrased because an apprentice was required to hold the candle for the wiser, more experienced workmen so that they could see what they were doing. If you could not even hold a candle for the professional, you were considered not of much worth at all.

It is always sad when someone, who barely past acne treatments and puberty is murdered. This is what happened to Dominique Dunne.

Dominique Dunne was born November 23, 1959 in Santa Monica, California. Her father is the famous journalist and author Dominick Dunne. Dunne attended Colorado State University and then spent a year in Italy. After her return, she worked for a short while as a translator and receptionist in the Italian Trade Commission. She then turned to acting.

Her first role was in the made for TV movie, Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker in 1979. After that, she played small roles in television series and movies. Her breakout role was as Dana in the movie Poltergeist.

In 1981, Dominique meet John Thomas Sweeney, a popular Los Angeles chef. The two moved in together, but Sweeney was abusive and Dominique broke up with him. A few weeks later, Sweeney strangled Dominique to death in the driveway of her home after she refused to get back together with him. Sweeney was charged with manslaughter and served only four years in prison.

Dominique is buried close to her co star in Poltergeist, Heather O’Rourke.

You might not remember her name, but you will remember her performance in Poltergeist. She had the line “They’re Heeere.”

Heather O’Rourke was born on December 27, 1975 in San Diego, California. She was discovered by Steven Spielberg when she was five. Her older sister was a dancer in the film Pennies From Heaven. Spielberg was looking for a young actress to play the part of Carol-Anne in the film Poltergeist.

After her appearance in Poltergeist in 1982, Heather had a recurring role as Fonzie’s girlfriend’s daughter on Happy Days. She also starred in Poltergeist II in 1986 and started production of Poltergeist III in 1987.

In 1987, Heather was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the bowels. Her medical treatments seemed to be successfully, but she began to be ill again in 1988. She was rushed to the hospital and suffered a cardiac arrest. Her medical team found a bowel obstruction and operated, but Heather would not fully recover and passed away on February 1, 1987 due to septic shock.

The end of Poltergeist III was re-shot with a body double. She is buried close to Dominique Dunne, who played her sister in the movie Poltergeist. Dominique was murdered by an ex-boyfriend at the age of 22.